Praedicator

Verba

Friday, May 26, 2017 - 6th Week of Easter - Fri

[Acts 18:9-18 and John 16:20-23]

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2017 ST. PHILIP NERI, C.O. [Friday in the sixth week of Easter]
[Acts 18:9-18 and John 16:20-23]
"When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish." [John]
The image of a woman in labor is striking, but I'm not sure the women I know who have had kids would agree with the part about forgetting the pain. I also wonder if the evangelist has taken an image Jesus was using of himself and applied it to the disciples. Jesus "hour" was upon him and he definitely shows some anguish in the Farewell Discourse. In any case, the difference between the Last Supper/Arrest/Trial/ Crucifixion and the Resurrection/Appearances would become clear. We celebrate that difference in Holy Week.
We all have the experience of dreading an upcoming event even though we know the outcome will be a good one. Childbirth is a good way to describe it. I hope Moms agree. AMEN